Eats

STACK has been confirmed as the ‘preferred operator’ for Leeds Markets’ outdoor food village

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 22nd March 2024

The plans for the outdoor 'container-style' venue were first proposed in 2022.

Plans for a new food village at Leeds Kirkgate Market have taken a 'significant step forwards' after Leeds City Council confirms that the preferred operator will be STACK.

The company responsible for shipping-container-style villages across the UK has expanded quickly since beginning in the North East in 2020 and already has developments (in varying stages) across Lincoln, Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough, Whitley Bay, Durham, Carlisle, Northampton, Manchester, Wigan and Sheffield.

The company is reported to be one of three private operator that submitted formal bids to the council, and was chosen for 'its rental offer and detailed proposals showing how the project would complement the market and generate new custom for existing traders.'

The development is hoped to boost footfall across the market as a whole and attract new customers to the area. This in turn would create new jobs and opportunities for independent traders across the city.

As the space is outdoors, it is also planned to operate into the evening, seven-days-a-week: an offer that is not currently available in indoor market traders.

The existing outdoor market space has space for a total of 185 stalls, with around 85 of them being filled on a typical day.

Currently less than half of the outdoor markets are used. / Image: Leeds City Council

The news follows a consultation exercise seeking people’s views on the proposals, which have been drawn up last year.

During this time over 2,000 online questionnaires were completed, finding that 71.5% of those participating supported the idea, and 91% would be ‘somewhat likely’ or ‘very likely’ to the rest of the market space if they were there to visit the new container-style market.

There’s also regeneration plans in the works to bring a new hotel and commercial units on the ground floor on the George Street side of the markets.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm STACK as our preferred operator for what will be, subject to the necessary planning and licensing approvals, a really exciting addition to Leeds Kirkgate Market.“STACK’s track record and proposals make it an ideal fit for a scheme that would complement other major improvements at the market – improvements that recently helped push monthly visitor numbers past 500,000.“Our ongoing investment in this important and historic retail destination means it is now well placed to play its part in powering the further regeneration of the eastern side of the city centre.“The council is also committed to continuing to work with the market’s existing traders to ensure they can reap the maximum benefit from the proposed food village.”

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Feature Image - Supplied, Leeds City Council

Eats

A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.

The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.

Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.

It is expected to open this spring.

Image: The Manc Group

Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”

Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.

“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”

The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.

Read more:

Featured image - The Manc Group

Eats

Beloved Leeds takeaway Souvlaki Corner to open new restaurant in Morley next month

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A new Souvlaki Corner is set to open in south Leeds.

If you're a Leeds local who loves food, then you'll have most likely heard and dined at Souvlaki Corner.

It's an absolute gem of a restaurant and takeaway, situated in Wortley selling fabulous authentic Greek food at a great price.

And now they're opening a new site in the nearby town of Morley which is going to be even bigger and better. Get in.

The new site will feature a bigger space with more seating, offering both dine-in and takeaway options, as well as a brand-new bar.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Now you're talking our language.

Souvlaki Corner told The Hoot: "We’re excited to confirm that Souvlaki Corner will be opening a new site in Morley, Leeds. Our targeted opening is in around four weeks, although we don’t have an exact opening date yet and will confirm this closer to the launch.

"One of the highlights of the new restaurant will be a traditional Greek spit where we will cook whole lamb in the proper Greek way. It will be cooked over charcoal to give the authentic Greek flavour that people would experience in Greece.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

"Our chefs are Greek, bringing authentic knowledge and experience from Greece. The interior design will also reflect the style of the Greek islands, so when people visit they will feel like they are stepping into a little part of Greece."

They continued: "Souvlaki Corner was created to bring authentic Greek street food to Leeds, focusing on freshly grilled souvlaki, gyros, and traditional flavours served quickly and affordably. Since launching our first location, the response from customers has been fantastic, and Morley felt like the natural next step as we continue to grow."

Read more: Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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